here's to you...

Up the path he walked...

and when he saw us,

he could not have been happier.

He was the only kid who waved and it was as if to say, "Here I am, and I love you!"

Dressed in his graduation (aka Kirkland men's dress shirt) attire, he repeatedly told me before today's event that it was his "best day ever". 

He was so incredibly proud of himself and it's all I could have asked.

Preschool, Schmreeschool, some may say, but not me.

At 2 years 9 months, on my mother's hip, I entered the preschool doors. Most mother's leave when they drop their child off, but my mother stayed. No, she didn't stay to see if I'd be okay, she stayed to teach in the very next room.

In fact, she stayed, and stayed, and stayed, and if you are curious to know, she's there right at this very moment. She's been there for over 30 years...teaching.

It's not just the Science, Math, Writing and Reading, though certainly important. Kieran has soaked up the academics like a sponge! It's also the gift that is born in the heart of a child, that is nurtured by a preschool teacher. It's the gift of learning to be themselves and learning to "love one another so as I have loved you". Somewhere along the way, some kids and even adults lose that...I wish they'd just go back to preschool for a day. 

 Just like my mother, Kieran's teachers have helped him to grow and change from his very first day,

to the day that he graduated. Thank you, Miss Diane!

We could not have been more proud today while Kieran said the Pledge of Allegiance,

 sang silly preschool songs,

and received his diploma.

That's what a preschooler does...he uses his diploma to look at the world through his telescope, as he should.

Here's to you, my sweet boy.

you are officially a soon-to-be Kindergartner. Some day, you and I will be hugging each other as you graduate from high school and college. Just imagine!

We love you,

(your baby sister does too...she was asleep in the stroller)

and can't wait to travel with you on your next journey.

And, may you stay...

forever young.